Concord Chronicle

A Word from the Other Half 🙂

As we start this new year:

Don't look at the problems but possibilities.

Look to friendships and not flaws and fallibilities in those around you.

Look for the joys and not the judges.

With Jesus in our lives, it's always going to be better.

So find ways in your daily life to build yourself up and to build up those around you.

Promote the possibilities in the days and months ahead and not the drawbacks.

As Scripture tells us all things are possible with Christ who strengthens us. (Philippians 4:13 NIV)

Let's be sure to look to God's strength and direction every day.

Gwyn Edward Jones

One of the tools taught in business school to help plan new (ad)ventures is often labeled as “SWOT” standing for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. Thoughtful attention to each of those areas can help preclude problems before they arise as well as help marshal resources for success.

As we navigate this world as Jesus-followers, we often are faced with situation where we have had no prior experience or feel that it will involve skills that fall into our “weakness” category. I find this happens more often than not, because God loves to show his power in and through our weaknesses — so much so, that the apostle Paul claimed he was strongest in his weakness!

“Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:8-10 NLT

But given that we may often find ourselves in uncharted waters or unfamiliar terrain, how do we find out what God’s will and guidance is in those situations?

Imagine this: you're navigating a dense forest at night. The only thing you hold is a small flashlight, its thin beam cutting through the thick darkness. You can't see the entire forest at once, only the small circle illuminated by the light. But with each step, you trust the path revealed, knowing that the beam will adjust as you move, guiding you through twisting trails and hidden hazards.

Psalm 119:105, offers a similar image: "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

In the darkness of uncertainty, doubt, and temptation, God's word isn't simply a gentle glow; it's a powerful flashlight, revealing not just the next step but the entire winding path ahead. Notice, however that the beam is narrowly focused, you only get to see the next few steps rather than a bird’s eye view of the whole terrain.

This is the way God's word works. It doesn't overwhelm us with the whole journey laid bare; it reveals just enough for the next step, trusting us to take it in faith and move forward. It shines on the obstacles, showing us where to maneuver, where to find stability, where to avoid pitfalls. It doesn't eliminate the darkness, but it makes it manageable, one step at a time.

We will undoubtedly have to grapple with doubt, uncertainty, confusion, and the fear of losing our way. Yet, in the midst of it all, God's word remains a steady beam, whispering, "This way, my child. Take my hand, and I will show you the path."

However, it's not always easy to follow. In the same way holding a flashlight can tire your arm, clinging to God's word in times of hardship can feel strenuous. But it’s worth the effort, and the exercise strengthens our grip and stamina. Always remember, the darkness cannot diminish the light's power, it only underscores its importance. So, hold on tight, keep your eyes on the beam, and trust that with each step, the path will unfold, revealing its beauty and leading you closer to His light.

So if you find yourself stumbling and fumbling, seemingly in the dark, unsure of the path God wants you to take, reach for the word. Hold it close, and let it guide you. Walk by its light, one step at a time, and discover the unwavering comfort and direction that only God's word can provide.

God doesn’t leave us in the dark without resources and one of the surest is provided in His word.

Blessings on you and yours,

Jim Black

P.S. If you’d like to read previous ruminations of mine they can be found at https://www.salvationarmyconcordca.org/chronicle/?category=Bible%20Study

TUESDAY

• 4:30 PM - Craft Class - Library
• 6:00 PM - Men's Bible Study - Fireside Room
• 6:00 PM - "One At A Time" Bible Study - Library
• 7:00 PM - Songsters Rehearsal - Chapel
• 8:00 PM - Senior Band Rehearsal - Chapel

THURSDAY (Note this is a different day than usual.)

• 10:00 AM - CAMEO: Trip to Hidden Tea Room in Lodi - We will carpool from the corps.

NEXT SUNDAY

• 9:00 AM - Praise Team Rehearsal - Chapel
• 10:00 AM - Discipleship Classes: Adult Sunday School, Corps Cadets, and College Age Study
• 10:30 AM - Prayer Time - Prayer Room
• 11:00 AM - Worship Service - Chapel
• 12:15 PM - Food & Fellowship - Fireside Room
• 12:30 PM - Beginning Band Rehearsal - Chapel
• 1:00 PM - Youth Chorus Rehearsal - Chapel

Next Sunday will be our last with Majors James and Laura Sullivan. This will be your chance to give them a card or gift of your well wishes.

Saturday, February 3rd at 2 PM

We will be hosting the Memorial Service for Shirley Prince. You will want to be here to support the Prince family.

The Future Officers’ Fellowship retreat is a time for individuals considering full-time ministry as officers in The Salvation Army to come away for the weekend to prepare their heart, mind and soul for this calling.

This will be a valuable time together as God speaks and confirms in their hearts His calling on their lives. The schedule will include opportunities for classes, interaction with CFOT staff and cadets, and time for discovering what officership looks like.

Dates: February 9-11, 2024 (check in starting at 4pm and the event will conclude at 1:00 on Sunday)

Location: College for Officer Training at Crestmont (CFOT). Lodging will be at CFOT and possibly a nearby hotel if we have a lot of people registered.

The Divisional Youth Secretaries will coordinate a carpool down to the College for Officers' Training for those who are needing transportation.

Delegate Requirements:

• Age: at least 18 years of age to early 50’s (age of eligibility for officership).
• Regularly attends and participates in corps programs
• Strongly considering future officership
• Endorsed by their corps officer and division

Registration Fee: $45 per person (paid by the delegate at registration) on events.usawest.org

Registration closes February 1.

Live Married For A Purpose!

Dates: February 23-25

Special Guests: Greg and Julie Gorman

Theme: Live Married with a Purpose

Location: Camp Del Oro

Cost: $50 per person

This retreat is an amazing opportunity for both newlywed couples interested in building a strong foundation for the future and for those who have been married for years looking to reboot and reconnect. We will have special guests Greg and Julie Gorman joining us, who love teaching and presenting a unique message that has helped thousands of couples move from good to great.

Our guests will present the following topics:

• Live in the fulness God intended for your marriage.
• Create new habits of thought to enjoy every aspect of marriage.
• Celebrate one another physically, intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually.

Spaces are limited. Registration due by February 11.

This initiative of turning our thoughts and prayers towards the same part of the world at some point in the same week is a beautiful way to unite us as a global Army family and I thank you for the commitment you each give to this.

Pakiston Territory

Colonel Diana MacDonald - Territorial Commander

Colonel MacDonald Chandi - Territorial Leader for Leader Development

Lieut-Colonel Safdar Iqbal - Chief Secretary

Lieut-Colonel Asia Safdar - Territorial Secretary for Women's Ministries

Praise:

• Colonel Diana's leadership as a woman is leading Pakistan Territory in an Islamic country.
• 22 Cadets got commissioned (Reflectors of Holiness) in March 2023.
• Re-opening of Jhang district in April 2023.
• Opening of new corps, Jinnah Abadi in Sahiwal Division.
• Opening of a new society, Chastian in the Sahiwal Division.
• International Appointment, Captains Humaira and Asher in October 2023.
• 15 Cadets, in the session of Champions of the Mission, entered Training College.
• Territorial Review held in November 2023.
• Certificate in Leadership development (Graduation of Cohort 2 in Nov 2023)

Prayer Requests:

• Opening of new corps in the territory.
• The work of The Salvation Army in Pakistan and spiritual revival in the territory.
• General Election in Pakistan and ongoing inflation and economic and political imbalance in the country.
• Cadets of Champions of Mission
• Ongoing climate change

Strategic Priorities:

1. Financial Sustainability - We will move towards financial independence and sustainability, by promoting stewardship (including tithing) among our people, by careful financial management, and by promoting enterprise skills at the community level for reducing reliance on external sources of finance.
2. Discipleship - We will engage in theological education development at all levels for equipping of soldiers (members) and officers (ministers).
3. Growth - We will open new plants (e.g. societies) and re-open some former mission-units (e.g. corps, social centers) based on assessment of mission potential.
4. Relationships - We will develop new and existing relationships with government officials, and with other churches, at both divisional and territorial levels.
5. Leader Development - We will develop officers through effective succession-planning, leader-development, and ‘refresher’ courses.

Below is 1 of 5 videos that are found on YouTube giving a depiction of The Salvation Army's work in Pakistan. Although these videos are older, these ministries are still going today.

Commissioners Douglas and Colleen Riley, Territorial Leaders of the USA Western Territory have announced that the territory will hold a Congress in June 2024.

This will be an opportunity for Salvationists from across the territory to join in times of corporate worship, celebration and fellowship.

On accepting the invite to the Congress, The General said, “We are thrilled that we are able to accept this invitation. We love the theme, Testify. We want a Salvation Army where people feel confident to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Never underestimate the power of a Testimony!”

Commissioner Douglas Riley says, “We are praying that the events that take place not only Glorify God, but challenge each one of us to tell the story of Jesus more often, and to more people, through words and actions.

During the Congress delegates will:

• Attend four main meetings featuring the preaching of The General and Commissioner Buckingham.
• Share in five family-wide meals.
  
• Have the opportunity to learn more about “sharing your own story”.
  
• Attend workshops and training seminars on holiness, bible study, and evangelism.
  
• Celebrate our creativity through music and worship arts concerts.
  
• Witness our youth participate in Encore and Bible Bowl.
  
• Experience the joy of Commissioning events.
  
• Witness The General enroll new soldiers.
  

The weekend will be centered around the challenge found in 1 Peter 3:15:

“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.”

View Program Guide (PDF)

Where? (Where America's Got Talent is filmed!)

Pasadena Convention Center

300 E. Green Street

Pasadena, CA 91101

When? June 14-16

Officers' Councils (including Retired Officers) will be held on Thursday, June 13, with The General.

Registration Information - ONLY $100

Registration INCLUDES all the main meetings or child care AND five congress meals.

Register here: https://events.usawest.org/

Please let Majors Gwyn or AnnMarguerite know if you are interested in going. We need to book hotel rooms VERY SOON! The Corps will help subsidize some of the expenses. We would like to have a large delegation or representation of the Concord Corps.

Email: annmarguerite.jones@usw.salvationarmy.org
Website: https://www.SalvationArmyConcordCA.org
Location: 3950 Clayton Road, Concord, CA, USA
Phone: (925) 676-6180
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/tsaconcord